The effects of 1-MCP in cyclodextrin-based nanosponges to improve the vase life of Dianthus caryophyllus cut flowers

The present research investigated the effects of a non-volatile formulation of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) embedded in different cyclodextrin (CD)-based nanosponges (NSs) to extend the postharvest longevity of an ethylene-sensitive carnation cultivar. Cut flowers of Dianthus caryophyllus L. ‘Idra di Muraglia’ were treated with α- and β-CD-based nanosponge-1-MCP complexes (α- and β-NS complexes) in tap water to attain two different concentrations of active ingredient (0.25 and 0.5 µL L–1). Treated flowers were compared to cut stems exposed to equivalent concentrations of volatile 1-MCP as well as to a tap water control with or without pure α- and β-NS. Identical nanoporous compounds were applied by perfusion to yield a total of 15 treatments. Twenty-four hours after the varying treatments were applied, the cut flowers were exposed to exogenous ethylene (1 ± 0.2 μL L–1) for 24 hours. The postharvest carnation flower and leaf quality in addition to ethylene production levels were determined. None of the α-NS complex applications statistically improved the vase life of cut flowers; however, β-NS complexes were effective in preventing senescence, reducing ethylene production (measured at nearly nil after 11 days), and maintaining original petal color longer. These results were particularly true at the lowest concentration (0.25 µL L–1) of β-NS complex. Overall, we found this method promoted cut flower longevity (loss of ornamental value after 14.7 days; complete damaging at day 18.5) better than the commercial 1-MCP gaseous application method.